A Sweet Risk

Native News Network Staff in Native Health. Discussion »

Two vs. One

BETHESDA, MARYLAND - Since American Indians and Alaska Natives develop type 2 diabetes at a rate of two to three times the national average, the following information provided by the US Department of Health and Human Services make you pause at the beginning of the New Year.

A study conducted by the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center found the health impacts of drinking excessive sugar-sweetened drinks: soda, flavored water and non-alcoholic beer increases risks of developing type 2 diabetes.

This is particularly true for women.

Women who had two or more sugary beverages a day had a four times greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes. That's compared to women who had just one sugary drink a day.

"There have been lots of studies, including this one, that have shown that higher consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors,"

stated Christina Shay at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.

The study presented at the American Heart Associations' Scientific Sessions 2011 was supported by the National Institutes of Health.

posted January 3, 2011 4:40 pm est